For some, it is an abomination from hell, raising an intolerable stink that is an assault on the senses. To others, it is ambrosia from heaven, nature’s gift of the perfect fruit. And now, the durian is finding an increasing following in China, land of a million gourmets. While plantation owners in Southeast Asia are delirious with delight at this growing trend, their faithful consumers in traditional markets are not so happy…Full Article: China Daily Nov 2016

Key Points

Within China, Guangzhou and Hong Kong have traditionally been the largest market for durian, while consumption in Beijing and Shanghai is more focused high-end hotels and eateries.

Popular Malaysian durian varieties sold (primarily as frozen pulp) in China include Musang King, Sudan King, D24, and Red Prawn, while Golden Pillow is a popular Thai durian variety that is sold primarily whole fresh.

ChinaAg Comments

In April 2016, Malaysia’s Deputy Chief Minister stated he would lead a business delegation from Penang to the Fourth China-South Asia Exposition (June 12 to 17, 2016).

In 2015, according to Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry Minister Malaysia exported RM1.5 billion [~US$386.2million] worth food and beverage goods to China, of which RM253 million [~US65.1 million] were coffee products and RM23.5 million [~US$6 million] was durian products.

Grown throughout Southeast Asia where it is known as the “king of fruits”, durian was the number one re-exported fruit in terms of total volumes. In 2014, Hong Kong imported ~358,200 MTs of durian and exported ~332,500 MTs, meaning roughly 93% of all imports were shipped to mainland China. When considering all shipment volumes from 2010 to 2014, Hong Kong re-exported 89% of all imports on average. Equally as impressive is that Thailand had a near monopoly on the Hong Kong durian trade. Thai supply has steadily increased over time, denoting healthy market growth. In 2014, Hong Kong’s durian imports totaled just under US$280 million.